Should Orioles extend Cedric Mullins? | MAILBAG

Question: Rich, you are often asked about extensions for the young Oriole stars. Do you think the Orioles will try to re-sign Cedric Mullins? He has been the team’s most consistent player so far. He is a team leader, and I hope Mike Elias tries to keep him and does not let him get away like he did Anthony Santander. From: Mike Beale

Answer: Mike, I think a short-term extension for Mullins is a good idea, but not more than two or three years. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Orioles proffered a qualifying offer to Mullins, and he accepted it.

Question: You’ve got some writers there that have been around Orioles baseball for a long time. Given that, do you believe we could be in the running for the most disappointing season in Orioles history? It seems to me that 2015 and 1998 would be the other contenders, though neither of those teams brought with them the promise of a young core and sustained winning to the table. I also wouldn’t count close but no cigar seasons like 1989 or 1982,  as they were largely entertaining seasons. From: Todd Stellhorn.

Answer: Todd, that’s a fascinating question. We’re still early in the season, so this season can’t yet be considered a disappointment. Check back later.

I would say the most disappointing seasons were 1998 and 2017. In 1998, the Orioles brought back nearly the entire team that was within two games of a World Series, albeit with a new manager, Ray Miller instead of Davey Johnson. That team finished 79-83 after posting a 98-64 record in 1997.

In 2017, the Orioles were in the postseason race, but finished the season 7-21 and that began a run of five straight losing seasons.

Most weekdays, I’ll be answering at least one Orioles question. If you’d like to submit a question, send it to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com. Questions may be edited for clarity, length and style.